National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

These are life-size models, sculpted in wood, of three motifs: the Imperial chrysanthemum emblem, Gigei-ten (deva of the arts), and Bishu-keima (Indian deity of sculpture). They were used as models for the decorations of the gable roof over the entrance hall, which were carved out of Sawada stone (from the Izu Peninsula). Far from simply being models, they are works of art in their own right.